15 hidden gems and unique spots in El Hierro

Every tourist will always visit all the must-see places, however, usually, it is those hidden gems and secret, unique spots that leave the biggest impact and best memories from our trip.

Here are the hidden gems and secret, unique spots in El Hierro island with photos, descriptions, how to get there, and exact locations where they can be found on Google Maps. Happy exploring!

Read more » Ultimate Guide: 21+ Best Things To Do And See In El Hierro

1. Stone arch of Charco Manso

One of the most beautiful hidden gems in El Hierro is definitely this volcanic stone arch with a natural volcanic pool below it. Located in the far North of the island it is definitely quite remote.

It is better to come here more on the low tide side as the waves could get too dangerous for you to get a closer look at the arch. It has a big natural swimming pool next to it as well as volcanic caves and holes to explore.

Location: Stone arch of Charco Manso · Parking lot

2. Pino Piloto – the hollow pine tree

This unique and hollow pine tree is called Pino Piloto. It survived a fire accident that left a huge hole in the bottom part of the tree. However, the tree is still thriving. It was one of my favorite hidden gems in El Hierro!

In order to get there, we parked our car around here at the side of the road and then followed a path and a forest road to the tree. A round trip was 3 kilometers long and took us about 40 minutes to hike!

Location: Pino Piloto · Parking places

3. Red-colored Campo de Lucha

One of the most unique places and hidden gems in El Hierro is Campo de Lucha. It is a circular stadium in red color with a beautiful cliff background which makes this a beautiful photo spot.

The stadium is normally open and anyone can enter there. There are a couple of parking places nearby next to the ‘Bar Restaurante Joapira’.

Location: Campo de Lucha · Parking lot

4. Árbol Garoé sacred tree

Árbol Garoé is known as the sacred tree of the island. It is said that the tree could accumulate enough water with its leaves that was enough for the whole population of the island.

Unfortunately, a hurricane knocked down the original Garoé tree, and a new one was planted instead. To visit this tree there is an entrance fee of a couple of EUR that you can pay at the Interpretation Center of the Garoé Tree. You can park your car next to the building.

Location: Árbol Garoé

5. Arco de las Puntas

Arco de las Puntas is a long, beautiful volcanic rock arch that stretches over a small beach in Las Puntas. It is located in a beautiful area with little coves and different volcanic formations that you should definitely check out!

If you come here during low tide you can get down inside a volcanic tube (there are stairs leading down from the walking path) to a small beach and take a photo of the arch from below.

Location: Arco de las Puntas · Parking lot

6. Secret underground lava tube at Faro de Orchilla

Faro de Orchilla lighthouse is a popular place to visit as it is the Westernmost area in El Hierro and in Spain. People very often come here for the sunset as well.

However, there is one absolutely hidden gem nearby. Hidden amongst the lava fields there is an underground lava tube. The lava tube is open to everyone as it is not an official tourist attraction.

It is about 100 meters long and absolutely dark so you will need a flashlight. If you have been inside lava tubes then you know that those are places that are formed during volcanic eruptions when hot lava flows and forms hollow tunnels underground.

Make sure to be careful when walking around the area above the surface! The surface might be very thin and could beak.

Location: Faro de Orchilla · Lava tube

7. Punta del Pozo volcanic arches

One of my favorite hidden gems in El Hierro island is definitely the Punta del Pozo viewpoint with two volcanic arches. One of the arches is right next to the viewpoint and you can observe it from the side if you are standing at the viewpoint.

However, the other one is right under the viewpoint. You have to descend to the beach in order to see it. There is a hole in the seaside cliff and you can get a beautiful shot of the nearby rock formation in the ocean looking through the hole. It is best to go there during low tide.

Location: Punta del Pozo · Parking lot

8. Pico de Malpaso

Pico de Malpaso with 1500 meters above sea level is the highest summit in El Hierro island. The best part about this mountain is that you can actually drive a car to the very top of it!

We used this amazing opportunity to go there during the sunset. It was quite magical as the mountain offers scenic and panoramic views over the island. Definitely a hidden gem in El Hierro!

Location: Pico de Malpaso

9. Campanario de Joapira

One of the most interesting spots in El Hierro is Campanario de Joapira. It is a church bell tower sitting atop a red volcano – Montaña Joapira. The bell tower is located at the same spot as Campo de Lucha, the red-colored stadium.

It is very distinctive as the red volcano stands out from the surrounding area. You can access it for free. You can either climb up to it or take a nice photo from afar.

Location: Photo location · Campanario de Joapira · Parking places

10. Arenas Blancas white beach

El Hierro is pretty much a typical volcanic island with rocky roast and mostly rocky beaches. There are also some black sand ones to enjoy. However, there is one hidden gem in El Hierro – the only white sand beach on the island.

Although it is not very friendly for swimmers because there are many rocks in the water still it is something pretty unique to see on this island.

Location: Arenas Blancas beach

11. Mirador de Isora

Mirador de Isora is one of those hidden gems in El Hierro! This viewpoint overlooks the East side of the island and is a great spot for photos.

It is also a nice place to take a break while traveling around the island and have a picnic as there are many seating places here. This place also has many photo possibilities! There are a couple of parking places next to the viewpoint.

Location: Mirador de Isora

12. Mirador La Llanía

Mirador La Llanía is a viewpoint along the popular La Llanía hiking trail. It turned out to be one of my favorite places on the island.

This viewpoint offers nice views over the West side of the island and you can see all of the valley below you during the day when the weather is clear.

However, we happened to catch one evening when the clouds had gathered inside the valley and we went straight to this viewpoint.

Watching the sunset with the valley beneath us full of clouds was something pretty magical. Don’t you agree?

Location: Mirador La Llanía · Parking places

13. Homenaje a La Bajada sculptures

One of the most unique and interesting spots in El Hierro is these white sculptures that you can find on Google Maps as ‘Homenaje a La Bajada’. These a bit weird sculptures offer unique photo possibilities for visitors.

There is nothing outstanding about the viewpoint however the look and shapes of the sculptures are quite unusual. You can park your car at the side of the road at the viewpoint.

Location: Homenaje a La Bajada

14. Ermita de San Salvador

Ermita de San Salvador is a cute little stone church in the forest in the Central part of El Hierro. It is a short 200-meter climb from HI-1 road.

This little hidden gem is a great spot for some moody photos or a short stop to stretch your legs if you are on your way and driving around the island.

When you park your car at the side of the road (link below for parking lot) then simply follow a dirt road that starts at the parking lot to get to the church.

Location: Ermita de San Salvador · Parking lot

15. Giant arches at Punta de la Sal

Punta de la Sal is a unique area on the West coast of El Hierro. It is full of unique volcanic rock formations including sea caves, arches, and many other different formations.

There is a path going along the coastline for anyone to enjoy this beautiful scenery. It is amongst the best spots to watch the sunset as well.

I really recommend grabbing some snacks and drinks, going before the sunset, and checking out the area followed by the sunset at the end of the day.

Location: Giant Arch · Parking places